Sean Kennedy warns about merger of Scotland Sevens into GB squad

Edinburgh scrum-half Sean Kennedy has warned Scotland that a possible merge of the sevens side into the GB outfit will be detrimental for the Dark Blues.

Kennedy was previously part of the Scotland U-20 team that featured in the 2011 Junior World Cup and also competed for the sevens side during HSBC World Series in 2012. His first call-up to the Scotland team came ahead of their 2017 Pacific summer tour after his Myreside team-mate Sam Hidalgo-Clyne withdrew through injury.

Citing the case of how the Scotland sevens side performed in the last two rounds of HSBC World Series 2017 in Paris and London, Kennedy believes merging with England and Wales will deprive the young talents in the country a chance to showcase their skills.

"I saw a headline about the British teams being merged but as far as I know there's a Scottish sevens team next year.

"That's great because the boys have been flying this year. Look at the last two tournaments - second in Paris, first in London, having won in London last year too.

"The sevens programme in Scotland is definitely working. Looking at the players who have gone there this season, we have a really good squad.

"I don't see it as a development team any more. I've gone there this season and anyone who has done the same has definitely benefited from being involved.

"Their culture and work ethic is second to none. I'd hate to think they'd get rid of it."

Speaking about his own call up to the Scotland squad, the 26-year-old admitted he was surprised and also reckons there is still a chance that he might end the tour without a game with players like Ali Price and Henry Pyrgos waiting up the ranks.

"I was surprised to get called up," said Kennedy, who has only just returned from a foot injury. "When I heard Sammy picked up an injury I thought I was just coming in for a couple of days.

"It wasn't until Monday that I discovered he was out of the tour and I was going, so I was shocked I suppose.

"I'd only rocked up expecting to do a couple of sessions and then go home, so I'm chuffed to bits. Everyone wants to play for their country and hopefully I'll now get my chance.

"But I know where I stand - I've got Ali Price and Henry Pyrgos in front of me. These guys have got caps and have both played in the Six Nations. I'm uncapped but have played a few games for Edinburgh. I'm under no illusions I have a lot of work to do before I'm near that match squad.

"I'm okay with that because I know I'm not the finished article. But I want to get better and if you've got someone to chase you're going to push yourself."